Project Updates
Read about our accomplishments to date, as well as planned projects in the path to restoring Barnard Station.
Planned 2025
Restoration Work
Install custom ordered mouldings and chair rails in original parlor. Paint the parlor. Replace missing ceiling in dining room and 1841 parlor. Construct walls where servants staircase was located in kitchen.
Completed 2024
Restoration Work
Our special order of antique white oak flooring has been installed in the rear rooms of the house. These floors are a better match to the original flooring in the adjacent front rooms. Repairs have been started in the original parlor in preparation for painting in 2025. These include replacing missing sections of the floor, repairing cracks in the plaster of the walls and ceiling. Orders have been placed for reproduction missing 19th century mouldings based on surviving original examples within the rooms. Sections of chair rail, window and door casings, and interior doors and hardware had been removed during 20th century renovations. For details on restoration work completed click here.
New Kiosk
Thanks to Jim Noon for building and installing a new outdoor kiosk to be used by Barnard Station and the Pocopson Township.
Completed 2023
Historic Preservation Plan
Led by preservation architect, Daniel Campbell AIA, we have completed the Preservation Plan for Barnard Station, funded equally by your donations and a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The final report is now guiding us as we begin the first floor restoration. An electronic version is available upon request. We have decided to restore the rooms in the main section of the house back to their c.1850 appearance. The preservation architect has confirmed the original floor plan with clues still evident within the building. This included the creation of drawings of the Barnard House layout and location of changes made over the years. During January 2023, original doorways were located along with identification of an added closet and enclosed duct work. Demolition was done to return those items to their original state. To learn more and view photos, click here.
The original color schemes have been verified by the materials conservator and will be utilized in the restored spaces. In support of the suggestions noted in the Preservation Plan we have selected to start the restoration process by installing antique white oak flooring in the rear rooms in the main section of the house to better match the original flooring in the adjacent front rooms.
Eagle Scout Project
In 2023, Patrick Clisham, a Boy Scout from Troop 31 of Chadds Ford, completed his Eagle Scout Project at the Barnard House with construction of an excellent front Flagstone patio, a planter and park bench. We thank Patrick Clisham for his contribution to the Barnard Station Heritage Center.
Completed 2022
Grant to Create Preservation Plan
We were approved for a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to complete a Preservation Plan so that we have an accurate foundation to finalize our plans for the restoration of the first floor of the house, where the new Heritage Center will be located. This official report, by a recognized historical preservation architect, will help with future grants that we pursue. Since this was a matching grant, we needed financial help from the community to meet our portion. Each dollar donated will be matched by PHMC. During the summer of 2022 we executed a campaign to raise matching funds from the community. We wish to thank all of our donors for their contributions that helped us complete our $25,000 matching fund and allowed work to begin on the plan.
Recognition on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom accepted the Eusebius Barnard House as a member. Friends of Barnard Station, along with Pocopson Township, are pleased to make this announcement. It is now officially recognized as Barnard Station. Here is our press release: Barnard Station Press Release
Welcome Center
Friends of Barnard Station created a new Welcome Center to allow visitors to experience what we envision for the exhibit spaces in the front section of the house, once restored. Visitors are able to see new mouldings recreated to match the character of the original early 19th century moulding found in the front section of the house. The Welcome Center provides information about the Barnard family and their involvement in the local abolition movement in the 19th century. There is information about Harriet Shephard and her children's escape from bondage, that passed through the Barnard farm. Visitors will learn about the evolution of the property and also see what other events were happening in the nation during the same time periods. A slideshow allows visitors to experience parts of the historic house that are closed to the public. Information about the creation of a Preservation Plan, for which a matching grant was recently awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is detailed in the new space. See Project Gallery for images.
Completed June 2021
Agreement signed with Pocopson Township
This agreement allows for the creation of a new Heritage Center on the first floor of the historic Barnard house